Set Sail: A Podcast About Podcasting by Podcast Insights

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➡️ Enter for your chance to win over $3,000 in prizes (https://www.podcastinsights.com/pumpup) designed to help you pump it up. The package includes:One annual Pro subscription to Castos podcast hosting platform. Enjoy advanced features like automatic YouTube republishing and more in-depth audience insights.Two months of full-service podcast production and editing services. Send your raw audio files to Castos and our expert audio engineers will create professional episodes to wow your audience.Lifetime access to Podcast Insight’s Podcast Website Launchpad course. Finally, start or improve your podcast’s website with this complete launch guide.One annual membership to Headliner Pro. They’re also throwing in 3 custom-designed video templates to get you up and running in no time. Easily create top-performing social media videos to drive more listeners to your episodes.One annual membership to Squadcast Pro. Capture professional recordings for your remote interviews so you and your guests sound perfect every time.NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States (excluding Rhode Island), 18 years or older and over the age of majority in jurisdiction of residence at time of entry. Ends 3/17/20 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For Official Rules, click here. Void where prohibited.Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Pre-order the Rode NT-USB Mini on B&H HereI recommend getting a stand to go with the mic.Check out our guides on Tabletop Stands and Boom Arms.Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

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The reason I’m so passionate about helping people start and grow a podcast the ripple-effect it can have.By helping you get started, your listeners are learning to cope with anxiety, suicide, learn about religion, hear another political perspective, learn a new skill, grow a business, and so much more!And I want to hear not only your success story, but the feedback and success you receive from your listeners. And I’m here to help you every step of the way.I love that something like podcasting can make such a positive impact on the world. Are you?So as we go into 2020 and a new decade, now is the perfect time to set goals and get serious about taking action in your podcast.What does that mean?If you haven’t started your podcast yet: Sign Up for the free 10-day "How To Start A Podcast" email series.If you have already started your podcast: Learn how to grow your podcast.If your podcast is starting to grow: Learn how to make money with your podcast.Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Check out the Gifts For Podcast Lovers blog post hereGifts:Sennheiser HD 598 CsSony WH1000XM3 ($72 off)Apple AirpodsSonos One (Gen 2) Smart Speaker ($30 off right now)Ultimate Ears BOOM 3iTunes Gift Card: Physical or EmailSpotify Gift CardAudibleLast-Minute Gifts On Amazonbuzzsproutdeal.comDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

The Blue Yeti microphone works great in many recording situations and offers a ton of useful features for the price.Read the full Blue Yeti ReviewGet the Blue Yeticaster Bundle (Mic, Boom Arm & Shockmount)Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Check out the Podcaster's Gift Guide here!Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

See all the Cyber Monday Deals hereSPI-Ber Monday from Pat Flynn (click here to see all deals here)Remember to put in the coupon code Holiday2019 to get the discount and free limited-edition t-shirt. Here is the pricing:Smart from Scratch: $149 (regular price: $249)1·2·3 Affiliate Marketing: $399 (regular price: $699)Power-Up Podcasting: $599 (regular price: $799)Amp’d Up Podcasting: $699 (regular price: $999)Sign up for any of the above or the 4-course bundle here!Smart Podcast Player (limited time lifetime license w/ early access to Podcast Transcripts plugin)99Designs $149 off Cyber Monday DealFull disclosure: I may receive compensation if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Win-win.Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Black Friday Deals Page (go here for more most up to date deals)Adobe CC Suite 40% Off (Ends Nov 29)B&H Photo DealsAmazon DealsBluehost (26-70% off)WPEngine (5 months free!)SecondLine Themes 25% off (use code PODCASTINSIGHTS25)Resonate Recordings: Get free Amazon gift card and other bonuses with 10+ episode creditsInteract quiz software 20% off (use code SOTHANKFUL)Teachable Black Friday (all-in-one course platform)OptinMonster 35% off (use code BF2019)WPForms 60% off (use code BF2019)MonsterInsights 60% off (use code BF2019)RafflePress (use code BF2019)SocialWarfare 40% off (use code BLACKFRIDAY40)Year-Round Deals:Buzzsprout: Free $20 Amazon gift card with any paid planSimplecast: 50% off first 2 months w/ code INSIGHTSPodbean: Free monthBlubrry: Free monthSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

2019 Black Friday / Cyber Monday Deals Live Now:20% Off Interact Quiz SoftwareOptinMonster Free Macbook Pro GiveawayB&H Pro Audio Deals (awesome deals live now)Amazon DealsAdobe Creative Cloud 40% Off (not mentioned in episode)Recommended Podcast Microphone:

Podcasting isn’t too hard to learn, but there are quite a few steps you will need to follow in order to start a podcast.Following a proven podcasting course will teach you everything you need to know in a step-by-step fashion.Podcast Courses Mentioned:✉️Free "How To Start A Podcast" Email CoursePower-Up Podcasting by Pat FlynnPodcasters’ Paradise by John Lee DumasPodcast Success Academy by Mark AsquithHow To Start A Podcast (Podcast) by BuzzsproutRelated Courses:1•2•3 Affiliate Marketing by Pat FlynnAdobe Audition by Mike RusselLearn Audacity

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We're taking a look at Buzzsprout podcast hosting in this episode and review.➡️Sign up and get a free $20 Amazon gift card here

There are tons of different ways to promote a podcast.Some are fairly easy and don’t require a lot of effort, while some might take a bit more time.I’ve tried to include a variety of different podcast marketing tactics so that you can pick and choose what makes sense for you.I recommend choosing one or two simple podcast promotion methods (the first 2 are great starting points if you don’t already do them) and then coming back to add methods to your marketing mix.✉️Free "How To Start A Podcast" Email CourseBlog Post For This Episode

Private podcasts are a great way to share company-wide messages with your organization or give access to a special feed for memberships (an advertising-free feed for example)Top Private Podcast Hosting Options:TransistorPodbeanPatreonOther Private Podcast Options:uStudioStoryboardOther links mentioned:Start A Podcast GuideWSJ Article on private podcasts (paywall)

Podcasting Deals PageHow To Start A WordPress Blog (with details on Bluehost)

Software:BuzzsproutAuphonicGarageBand / Logic ProEquipment:Started w/ a Blue Yeti (but don't recommend)If starting today: ATR2100 or Samson Q2U (USB & XLR)I have a separate article specifically for dynamic mics if you want to check it outStart using USB if you're solo.Then you can upgrade the audio quality simply by adding an audio interface and using the XLR connection.A further upgrade is to add a Cloudlifter CL-1 or Cloudlifter ZWhat I Use Now:Rode Procaster MicrophoneCloudlifter ZRodecaster Pro / Rode AI-1 Mixer / InterfaceAudio Technica ATH-M50X headphonesHeil PL2T Boom ArmElectronic Standing Desk27" 5K iMac (bought RAM aftermarket and saved $400)Second Monitor: Asus 1080p for < $150Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Web Hosting: Kinsta (see our review of Kinsta)Email Marketing: ConvertKit(see more of the best email marketing services)WordPress / Website:Genesis Themes (WordPress Themes)OptinMonster (Email Opt-ins)Pretty Links (Short Links)Smart Podcast Player (switched to Buzzsprout's player)OneSignal (Push Notifications)Algolia Search (Site Search Plugin)ShortPixel (Image Compression)Social Warfare (Social Sharing Plugin)TablePress (Table Creation Plugin)GeniusLink (Amazon Localization)See our post for the best WordPress pluginsOthers:Gusto (Payroll)Quickbooks Online (Accounting)Asana (Project Management)Buffer (Social Scheduling)Canva (Image Creation)Google DocsGSuiteAnalytics & ResearchAhrefsGoogle Search ConsoleGoogle AnalyticsHotjarSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

In case you didn't know, video is one of the best ways to get seen on social media...A couple reasons are that:The algorithms prioritize itVideo catches the eye and gets you to stop scrollingYou can connect and share more in a small amount of spaceBut you don't want to share your entire podcast episode on social media - people are in a different mindset.What you want to do is create a teaser that gets people interested enough to check out your show (and hopefully subscribe).If you signed up with Buzzsprout, they have an awesome little tool to do just that!Just click into one of your episodes - and on the right side there will be a button that says 'Create A Video Soundbite'.Then you'll see an easy-to-use screen like this:Soundbite CreatorThe other option mentioned is HeadlinerSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

You want to grow your podcast audience and get your listeners to engage with you, right?One of my favorite ways is to include a listener Q&A segment in your show. You could also make it a listener comment segment or a segment where you read reviews.Sounds simple, but this tactic can be powerful. I'll explain:Ask people to tag or @ you on social when they ask questions (friends and followers will be able to find you and learn more)People like to hear their names spoken online - so once you mention someone, they will be much more likely to share that episodeTheir friends likely have similar interests and will want to check out the showOther listers will want to have their question said aloud (and get an answer of course)RepeatSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

I put "launch" in quotes because this step is really all about submitting your podcast to iTunes (Apple Podcasts).That means that when Apple accepts it, your show will be live and officially launched, even if no one knows about it.As a bonus, we'll talk about growing your show in a couple days.It's possible you already figured this step out by clicking the iTunes & Directories tab in your Buzzsprout dashboard, but if you haven't yet, it's easy!You will need to create an Apple ID if you don't have one already.List of Podcast DirectoriesWas this course helpful? I'd love to hear your thoughts!And if know anyone else who would benefit from this, could you do me a favor and share it with them?They can sign up right on the home page of Podcast Insights.Here's the link: https://www.podcastinsights.com/Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

You will need to upload your episodes to a podcast hosting platform.This is also the place where you will enter your podcast details and cover art we talked about a few days ago.Action Step: Sign up for Buzzsprout, enter your podcast settings, and upload your first episode.Use that link above for a free $20 Amazon gift card! :)Alternative option: TransistorSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Start by downloading Audacity (it's free and works with Mac or Windows).Then I recommend following this excellent Audacity tutorial.Other Links Mentioned:Ecamm Call Recorder For SkypeSoftware To Record RemotelyResonate RecordingsSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Your main goals with your podcast cover art should be to:Stand outBe easy to read (at different sizes)Be easy to understand what your show is aboutGet people to click and learn moreYou'll want to figure out these details:Podcast TitlePodcast DescriptionArtist Name3 Podcast Categories (here's a list to review with some tips)Explicit or notArticles On Designing Cover Art:How to design a podcast cover: the ultimate guide by 99designsHow to Design Stunning Podcast Cover Art That Stands Out in iTunes by BuzzsproutCanva99designsGrab the free How To Start A Podcast 10-day email course hereSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

It's time to invest in some equipment.Audio quality is more important than most people realize - poor audio quality will quickly turn people off, even if they can't specifically name why.And you don't have to spend a ton to get amazing audio quality!Podcast Starter Kit Equipment GuideGrab the free How To Start A Podcast 10-day email course hereSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Today we're going to talk about Show Format.There are many different styles and formats you can choose - and many people will combine formats (i.e. a solo episode one day, an interview episode another day).There isn't a right or wrong way to go here - and many shows evolve and change over time to include other formats or segments.Action Step: Decide on an initial podcast format and outline the segments you will include.Grab the free How To Start A Podcast 10-day email course hereSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Quick Recap - At this point we’ve:Come up with ideas we want to talk about and chosen one broad topic.We’ve done research on episode ideas.Before you continue, ask yourself: “Does this interest me? Is this something I could see myself talking about or teaching for several years? Will this cost a lot of money? Is the interest in this growing or underserved?”If Yes, let’s move on!Action Step: Register a domain name (the .com) for your podcast. You can register with Namecheap.Tips on choosing a domain nameGrab the free How To Start A Podcast 10-day email course hereSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Based on the broad topic we chose yesterday, we are going to do a little research.We are looking for more specific episode and topic ideas that people will be excited to hear...Listen for little-known tips to come up with amazing episode ideas.Action Step: Write down a list of 10+ episode ideas. In addition, could you easily come up with at least 100 different episode or topic ideas?Grab the free How To Start A Podcast 10-day email course hereSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

So you're thinking about starting a podcast?I get a lot of messages from people looking to start a podcast, but they don't know:Where to startWhat to podcast aboutWhat equipment to useHow to get on iTunesand many other questionsMaybe you're wondering those same things...That's OK.Just don't let those questions hold you back from getting started.In this episode we'll go through a series of exercises to help you nail down a topic that:You will have plenty of content forYou're interested inThere is an audience forGrab the free How To Start A Podcast 10-day email course hereSupport the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

There are a number of different services that will let you record remote conversations. Skype is a popular way to conduct online interviews and there are several ways to record Skype calls. The issue with Skype is that sound quality is poor, even if all parties have great internet connections. The good news is that there are excellent alternatives to Skype that let you record remote podcast interviews. Top Remote Interview Software: Ringr Zencastr Show Notes For Episode 17Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Learn about the best podcast recording and editing software. Plus check out some bonus podcast software that will save you time, improve your interview quality, and more... Top Podcast Recording & Editing Programs: Adobe Audition Logic Pro Bonus Podcast Software: Buzzsprout Ecamm Call Recorder For Skype Music Radio Creative Show Notes For Episode 16Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Thinking of starting a podcast and want to know how podcasters make money?Or do you already have a podcast and are looking for ways to increase your earnings?Good news, there are many different ways to monetize a podcast...Some work well when you are just getting started, and others work best once you're more established and have a larger audience.Either way, you'll find at least one way to make money podcasting no matter what stage you're at.Show Notes For Episode 15Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

I highly recommend using WordPress for your website whether you’re a podcaster, blogger, or anyone else who wants to consistently reach an audience.WordPress is great in its stock form, but there are many plugins that add functionality or enhance existing functionality.I’ve tried hundreds of different WordPress plugins among many different categories, and this list is personal recommendations on based on what works best, which ones are well supported, and which plugins keep your site running quickly.My Favorite WordPress Plugins:OptinMonsterSocial WarfareConvertKit (Email Service & Plugin)Show Notes For Episode 14Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

I consistently recommend having your WordPress site separate from your podcast host. I wanted to go a little deeper and give you my full list of recommendations...My Recommended WordPress Hosts:Kinsta (See our Kinsta Review)DreamHost ($50 Off Coupon)Show Notes For Episode 13Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

Pop filters do what their name suggests – they reduce or eliminate popping sounds. In natural speech, certain letters tend to cause your mouth and breath to produce fast-moving air. These plosives typically come from the letters P, T, and K. Try saying the word “podcast” or “pop filter” while holding your hand in front of your mouth – you’ll feel the air. This air can easily overwhelm a microphone, causing distortion and clipping. We definitely don’t want that. So let’s take a look at some of the best pop filters to use when recording vocals… My Favorite Pop Filter: Stedman Corp Proscreen XL Show Notes For Episode 12Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)

There are many different ways to record an interview: outside or inside, sitting or standing, planned or spur-of-the-moment, video or audio-only, and likely more that I haven’t thought of. Each scenario will excel with a certain type of microphone and for planned interviews, people will commonly use a shotgun mic combined with a lavalier mic as a backup.. Listen for the some of the best options for each type... Show Notes For Episode 11Support the show (https://www.podcastinsights.com/support)